See all posts in the network tagged with firefighter-safety-health
One way to make a point:
Pretty sure this public safety message idea started in a fire station kitchen!
Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Service:
tip of the helmet to NismoFire at the International Association of Crusty Old Jakes.
Why wait for Mike to cut and paste, consider joining IACOJ today … if you are crusty enough!
Mike "FossilMedic" Ward
BBC News London (2011 April 10): Fire engine round-world charity record bid ends: A charity group are in line for a Guinness World Record after travelling around the world in a fire engine.
The 25-strong team crossed the finishing line in Greenwich, London, at the same spot where they began their journey last July.
Steve Moore, 33, of Wimbledon, London, led the expedition in memory of his father Garth, a firefighter from Dorset who died of lung cancer aged 63. He hopes the team will gain the Longest Journey By A Fire Engine record. (…)
The Follow That Fire Engine team have raised at least £95,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
The trip was self-funded by the crew and all donations will go to the charity.
Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday said: "This is an extraordinary world record attempt which shows ultimate dedication and drive."
Follow That Fire Engine on Facebook
Follow That Fire Engine website
Mike "FossilMedic" Ward
Forget about FEMS, this is from a discussion of safety at the International Association of Crusty Old Jakes.
Posted by Ladder8 
, this fireground picture initiated a brisk discussion of the tactical use of structural gear on wildfire incidents.
If you are interested in unique and intelligent discourse on firemantic issues, consider applying to be an IACOJ member.
Go to http://www.iacoj.com
Hmm …
They appear to be taking lessons Captain Wines at Iron Firemen.
Or that "crusty" firefighters need better eye candy.
Mike "Fossilmedic" Ward
Firehouse Declared a Life Hazard
SIX WEEKS AGO FIREGEEZER REPORTED on the Chillicothe, Ohio, Fire Department dropping back to just one fire station in service for the first time since 1881. (article HERE.) Now it turns out that their final outpost of protection has been cited by the State Fire Marshal for having an inoperable sprinkler system and fire detection / alarm system.
Chillicothe Fire Station (Google Street View)
Over the past year the city has laid off five firefighters and closed two of their three stations in order to keep a semblance of minimum staffing which can drop to two for the sole engine if both ambulances are on a call. One of the on-duty FF's is assigned to dispatch duty. When the department was consolidated into the main station on Water St. there were plans to bring it up to code. But the sprinkler system, which has been out of service for at least a year, wasn't repaired. So somebody dropped a dime on the city and complained to the fire marshal. That triggered an inspection last week and ended with a compliance order to get it fixed and, until it's repaired, maintain a fire watch in the station. The Columbus Dispatch reports:
The fire-detection and alarm system at the main station downtown on Water Street hasn't worked for at least a year, perhaps longer. And, the sprinkler system had not been inspected.
To avoid being ordered to vacate its only station, the department now must assign firefighters – who can perform no other duties – to a 24/7 "fire watch."
The state fire marshal's office put the fire department on notice last week that it must correct three fire-code violations or face fines of up to $1,000 per violation per day.
Until (the detection and alarm system is) installed, a firefighter will continue to stand "fire watch." When the department has 10 or more firefighters on duty, one will be assigned on his regular shift to stand guard. When only nine firefighters, the minimum staffing, are on duty, an additional firefighter will be paid overtime to repeatedly walk from the basement to the second floor and back.
On Patrol, 24 hrs. every day
Columbus TV Channel 4 takes us for a walk with the watchman in this video report:
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IAFF Loses Legendary Leader Vincent J. Bollon
March 28, 2011 – It is with deepest regret and sorrow that the IAFF reports the death of IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Vincent J. "Vinnie" Bollon. Vinnie passed away March 28 while at home.
Bollon served as General Secretary-Treasurer of the IAFF from 1988 to 2010. He was one of the IAFF's longest-serving principal officers. He joined the Fire Department of New York in 1959 and was secretary-treasurer of the Uniformed Firefighters Association Local 94 and served as president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association Local 854. After retiring from the fire service, he was made President Emeritus of Local 854.
He leaves his wife, Linda; his children: Janice and her husband Ron Roveto, Suzanne Bollon, Chrysee Bollon, and Kathleen and her husband Walter Scott; and his grandchildren Jennifer, Steven, Matthew, Nicholas, Caitlin, and Brianne.
The IAFF will provide information about the funeral as soon as arrangements are finalized.
From the IAFF resolution bestowing Emeritus Status for retiring General Secretary-Treasurer Vincent J. Bollon
Mike "FossilMedic" Ward
You are the Authority Having Jurisdiction
Tired specialized facility handling hazardous materials. Current operating permit expires in 2015.
When built in 1960 and expanded in the 1970's the facility met all of the applicable fire prevention, staffing and material handling requirements.
With the Japan earthquake and tsunami, local community leaders are asking if the operating permit for this facility should be renewed.
History
The complex is made up of three buildings performing the same task. Building 1 was completed in 1960, renovated three years later when the technology to handle the hazardous materials changed.
It could not meet the new 1980 safety requirements and was shut down in 1975.
Building 2 was built in 1973 and Building 3 in 1977. Much larger facilities, using the latest technology. Well within the 1980 safety requirements.
Original corporation was obsessive about safety and preparation. There were no code compliance issues between 1960 and 1999.
A different organization – MegaHaz - bought the complex in 1997. This was part of a nationwide acquisition of specialized plants.
MegaHaz owns and operates 64% of these specialized hazardous materials handling facilities in the United States.
Recent compliance issues
The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) went to court in 2009 to compel MegaHaz to comply with safety and operational regulations that were established in 2000.
For Buildings 2 and 3:
This is an industry where a fixed facility is required to meet new industry safety and materials processing regulations once they are issued. New standards come out every 5 years.
Oh yeah, in an area near an earthquake fault line
The latest media crisis is that the 52 year old facility is near an earthquake fault line and on the edge of a river.
The community has very few earthquakes. A 5.5 in the mid 1880's and a 4.0 in 1985. The facility is designed to handle an 8.0 earthquake.
What will you do?
MegaHaz has a history of poor compliance with regulations. They will resist until the last minute, and then satisfy the absolute minimum required for continuing operation.
Based on earlier behavior at old facilities, MegaHaz may abandon the complex. That could leave the jurisdiction with a mess that would meet the definition of an EPA Superfund site.
If MegaHaz abandons the existing property they would build a new site in another state. It would result in the loss of 1,645 high paying jobs. They are the third largest employer in town.
MegaHaz will comply with the court order on staffing, training, emergency response and fire protection features if you GUARANTEE renewal of the operating permits for Building 2 and 3 in 2015.
Operating permits are in effect for 10 years.
Mike "FossilMedic" Ward
Specifics about the process and hazardous materials used are omitted on purpose. Based on a real event, elements of the story are changed.
Exhibit Floor Tidbits
FDNY 4-door Dodge Ram/Wheeled Coach ambulance
IFSTA Book Bonanza
Within the last year, Oklahoma State University/Fire Protection Publications – through International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) - issued 14 new or updated books.
IFTSA Executive Director Mike Weider says this exceeds the former record of seven books in one year. A full team of outstanding and creative people, assisted by a streamlined process, is the reason for this production.
Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness
Understanding and Implementig the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives
Hazardous Materials for First Responders 4E
Hazardous Materials Managing the Incident Field Ops Guide 3E
Fire Service Hydraulics and Water Supply
Building Construction Related to the Fire Service
Fire Service Search and Rescue
Fire Investigator (Second Edition)
Fire Service Hydraulics and Water Supply 2E
Hazardous Materials Managing the Incident Field Ops Guide 3E
Marine Fire Fighting for Land Based Firefighters
Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness 3E
Principles of Vehicle Extrication 3E
Structural Fire Fighting Initial Response Strategy & Tactics 1e
Hazmat Materials content is completely revised.
Mike "FossilMedic" Ward
Well, At Least He Has His Hood On
Lets see, fire hose..check….water….check….airtank….check…man sure seems like I forgot something….
Maybe its all that working out I been doing…getting stronger, this gear doesn't
feel as heavy as it used to. (photos via St. John News)
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The Japanese Government has declared a nuclear emergency.
Japan’s quake-hit nuclear power plant Fukushima Number 1, about 250 kilometers northeast of Tokyo, “may be experiencing nuclear meltdown,” Kyodo News reported, citing the nation’s Nuclear Safety Commission.
source: Daily Telegram (AU) Live updates: 8.9 earthquake rocks Japan – Pacific on tsunami alert
Fukushima Power Plant
NHK World Japan reported that cesium elements have been found around the site (unable to capture audio segment)
Cesium is the material used in control rods. The Cesium rods control the speed of a reaction adn the temperature of the reactor.
Finding elements of cesium around the reactor is an indication of the start of a primary or core meltdown.
Newsletter March 12 (Sat) 11:14 delivery (translation)
Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (NISA), the first nuclear power plant damaged by earthquake Toukyoudenryoku Hukuzima East (town Ookuma Fukushima Futaba town) in Unit 1, soluble in hot fuel rods “meltdown” has occurred likely announced.
According to NISA, No. 1 around the detection of radioactive cesium on NIRS team. Cesium is contained in nuclear fuel rods, because of its high melting point, it is estimated that the likely cause meltdown.
According to the Safety Agency, said nuclear power plant Unit 1 reactor water level decreased from 12 am. Temporarily exposed surface of the cooling water from nuclear fuel rods were damaged nuclear fuel is a concern.
Melting cesium control rods lead to the overheating and partial meltdown at Three Mile Island (1979) as well as the explosion of the Chernobyl reactor in 1986.
Mike “FossilMedic” Ward
Found at TMZ, from Stephenville Empire-Tribune
Amanda Kimble, writing for Stephenville (Texas) Empire-Tribune, reports this:
Singer-songwriter Jewel involved in collision
The two-vehicle accident involved Jewel and Erath County Commissioner Jim Pack, who was operating a Harbin Volunteer Fire Department fire/brush truck and responding to a grass fire on US Highway 67.
Harbin Volunteer Fire Department is a new, rural department:
STEPHENVILLE (August 05, 2009)-A new Volunteer Fire Department was commissioned by Erath County for operation in the Dublin/Harbin area.
Erath County commissioners voted in a July 27 meeting to approve the new department.
The new agency will cover the small community located 4 miles east-northeast of the city of Dublin along F.M. 847.
The department will be added to the 911 call center between Monday August 3rd & Friday August 7th.
A BAR BQ Fundraiser is planned for Saturday August 15th at the Electric CO-OP in nearby Stephenville it’s open to the public and anyone who wishes to Volunteer is urged to attend.
from J.W. Brunson at KWTX: Harbin Community Volunteer Fire Department Commissioned by Erath County
Mike “FossilMedic” Ward
Saturday Morning Lineup
We have a visitor in the engine bay this morning who would like to talk to us for a minute. Captain Bob Burton, from Yakima, Washington, Fire Department is a long-time Firegeezer reader and devotes a lot of his energies to helping firefighters prevent and, if necessary, combat the cancers that strike our fire/rescue/ems family way too much. So please take a moment and listen to his message for us today. Bob…..
March 5, 2011
To all my Brothers and Sisters,
As I write this I am thinking of my friend Kevin Oldham. Most of you do not know Kevin, he is a firefighter in Waukegan, Illinois. Just search his name on YouTube to see some videos of him. I received a letter yesterday telling me that Kevin, age 34, has been admitted to hospice care in the final stages of his life. He has been battling pancreatic cancer for the last year. He has a wife and two beautiful little girls, ages 3 and 1. Cancer affects us in many ways, I have had my own battles with it and have lost dear friends to it. And I have friends who, like me, have beaten the devil back to submission.
My good friend Lorenzo Abundiz started a foundation several years ago called “Code 3 For a Cure”. Lorenzo is an amazing guy. The mission of Code 3 is two-fold. It is a mission of Honor and Hope. As we travel across the country we collect the names of those who have lost the battle. At the end of the mission trip, there is a ceremony where the names are read and the memorial bell is rung for them.
The second part of our mission is to give hope to those who are currently in their battle, and to spread the word to all firefighters about the risks that we incur because of the job we do. We take risks everyday, some willingly, and some are just there lurking in the background. Cancer can hit anyone, at any time. Firefighters are at a very high risk for developing cancers at a much younger age, and much more rare forms of the disease.
March 14 is the kickoff of the Code 3 for a Cure Mission 2011. There will be a formal ceremony held in Ripon, California, that morning and from there we take off for a two-month long trip across the US in a new Sutphen Fire Truck, visiting at least 27 of the lower 48 states. I urge you to make an effort to visit with the Code 3 crew when they are in your area, and please help support the mission by visiting the web site www.code3foracure.org. Check out the great looking T-shirt for this year’s mission and if possible, please purchase one.
There is a lot of good information on the site, so spend some time there and remember to stay safe. Please remember Kevin and his family in your prayers.
Captain Bob Burton
Training / EMS supervisor
City of Yakima Fire Department
Thanks, Bob. We will be sure to check that out when we get back to the day room in a few minutes. First, though, we need to get this equipment checked out. I’ll make sure that there’s plenty of coffee ready for us.
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Issue 4 is out
Completes their first year of publication!
Table of contents:
Urban Firefighter Magazine on FaceBook
The issue looks great!
Mike “FossilMedic and fanboi” Ward
Seat Belt Pledge gets an edge
The ultimate goal is to enroll every emergency first responder in the United States. Departments that are 100 percent compliant will be highlighted on the Everyone Goes Home® seatbelt site (HERE)
Noticed some of our colleagues from Alexandria City and Branchville VFC.
Wonder how many of those excuses were found on TheWatchDesk or other forum sites?
Nice job.
Mike “FossilMedic” Ward
Fell Off Roof at Vacant House
A SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, FIRE CAPTAIN is in the hospital today after falling off the roof of a house Saturday night while engaged in firefighting activity. Captain Gene Dibble, a 24-year member of the department, was on the roof of the burning structure performing a ventilation procedure.
KXTV Ch. 10 is reporting:
Fire Captain John Burgess said Dibble fell from the roof during the course of his work, fracturing his lower lumbar spine. He was transported to UC Davis Medical Center.
“He’s in a lot of pain, but there’s no paralysis, which is good,” said Burgess. “Hopefully he will have a full recovery.”
No further information has been released yet. Other reports say that the house is vacant and has had another fire inside it recently.
Google Street View of the address given.
Auto Crossed Center Line Into Engine’s Path
A KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, ENGINE OPERATOR IS IN SERIOUS but stable condition this morning after having part of one leg amputated following a crash cause by an automobile that hit the engine head-on. The accident occurred at 2 pm Central Tuesday afternoon just a short distance from Fire Station 42. The 5-man engine company was responding to a medical call when the car came over the line and collided with the firetruck.
Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star is reporting:
Jeff Smith, a 21-year veteran of the Fire Department, was reported in serious but stable condition Tuesday night, the department said in a statement. A fire apparatus operator, he was behind the wheel when the crash occurred.
FF Jeff Smith
Police said the other driver may have been trying to go around traffic that had stopped to yield to the oncoming pumper truck.
The truck had just left its station about 1:50 p.m. and was heading east on Red Bridge Road to an emergency call, police said. When the truck approached a curve near Barrymore Drive, Smith saw a Pontiac Grand Prix heading at him. Smith cranked the steering wheel hard to the right but still hit the car. The truck then wiped out a utility pole and smashed into a tree on the driver’s side.
None of the other firefighters were injured beyond some minor bruises and cuts. The car was being driven by a 21-yr.-old woman who had a 3-yr.-old chid with her, reportedly her daughter. The infant was uninjured but the driver was transported with minor injuries.
KCMO-TV filed this video report Tuesday night:
The police say the driver of the car was at fault and will be charged. They are waiting for the results of her blood test and to learn of the extent of FF Smith’s injuries before they decide what charges to bring.
Read the late report from the Kansas City Star HERE.
STATter911 has more photos and video HERE.
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Keep them coming
I guzzle diet sodas. It irritates wait staff that the glass is empty by time they enter the food order.
The older guys working at an all-night diner where I am a regular have two glasses ready when I sit down.
This guzzling is a remaining behavior from a long-ago habit.
The Challenger shuttle disaster is an annual reminder of a personal crisis decision point.
White-knuckling an urge
Spent weeks attempting to reign in the uncontrollable … could never predict how much I would drink once I started.
When off-duty I often needed 3-4 drinks in order to go to sleep. Would follow the nightcap with a 20 oz sports drink/acetaminophen bolus.
I was trying to go more than two consecutive days without drinking. January 28, 1986, would have been day three. The first three-day dry spell in years. It did not happen.
The last close call
I thought I separated drinking from the job. Until an off-duty response to a greater alarm fire while hammered resulted in a terrifying realization that I could lose my job.
That started the unsuccessful effort to reign in the drinking … and then to visit the Employee Assistance Program to ask for help the day after the Challenger disaster.
I entered an outpatient rehabilitation program 25 years ago tonight. I was angry and uncertain.
Just cause you are sober does not make you “all right”
Up to 90% of alcoholics have at least one relapse in the first four years after treatment. It could be from a behavioral, cognitive or biochemical factor.
I have maintained sobriety for a quarter-century. Doing Job 1 every day.
That was the easy part.
Still have behaviors and thinking that are addictive and destructive. They remain resistant to lasting change.
So much for the “Anonymous” in AA
Alcoholics Anonymous, is the 12-step spiritual self-help program that remains a force in treating a variety of addictive behaviors. Estimate about two million members.
I don’t think Bill Wilson or Dr. Bob Smith ever envisioned a society as tolerant and open about addiction as we are now. There was a lot of shame associated with alcoholics in 1935.
Rescue Me and alcohol
Alcoholism is a frequent topic in Denis Leary’s Rescue Me series.
Season 5 (2009) ended with this cliff-hanger:
Rescue Me’s creators, Denis Leary and Peter Tolan weren’t afraid to risk it. In the waning moments of the finale, Tommy Gavin (Leary) takes two bullets to the chest, courtesy of his grieving Uncle Teddy (Lenny Clarke), who seeks revenge for the recent alcohol-fueled death of his wife. Tolan says it was a natural progression of this season’s story arc, which saw Tommy fall off the wagon and drag the entire Gavin clan with him.
“We just really got into the whole idea of Tommy starting to drink again and being the merry piper leading everybody down that road. And what the consequences would be,” Tolan tells TVGuide.com. “We’ve already established over the seasons that Tommy’s curse — which is a direct reflection of 9/11 — is that he survives. When he should be dead, he survives, and there’s death all around him, which is what he is left to deal with.”
Leary says Teddy, who murdered the drunk driver who killed Tommy’s young son in an earlier season, was the obvious choice to shoot Tommy.
Leary says the show’s success at depicting alcoholism comes from a mixture of personal experience and letting the disease speak for itself. “Our investigation of [alcoholism] comes from a real place,” Leary says.
“I know firefighters who have drank, quit, started up again, quit, and finally said, “I can’t work unless I have alcohol. I need to have some fun.” So I think we’re portraying every part of it, and I don’t think we’re preachy about it. If Tommy keeps on drinking, I don’t think we will judge him. And if he quits drinking, I don’t know how we’ll judge the characters that continue to drink.”
Adam Bryant (Sept 1, 2009) “Exclusive: Rescue Me’s Creators Dish on the Shocking Season Finale” TV Guide.
My brothers and sisters were supportive and ball-busting. I did not have to hide my recovery – that was a powerful benefit.
Thanks!
Mike “FossilMedic” Ward
February 4, 2011
Followup on May stabbing of on-duty LAFD member
From Andrew Blankstein at the metro section of the Los Angeles Times:
City firefighter Charles Anthony MacDougall was hailed as a hero when he survived an attack in May at the Cecil Hotel while assisting someone in distress.
But L.A. police detectives found inconsistencies in the story, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
After reviewing the facts, prosecutors determined they could not move forward with a criminal case against MacDougall, who was placed on administrative leave last summer, said a spokesman for City Atty. Carmen Trutanich.
Read entire article:
Andrew Blankstein (2011, February 2) No charges against firefighter in alleged stabbing hoax in downtown L.A.
Earlier Firegeezer coverage – April 19, 2010: Mean Urban EMS
Firefighter/paramedic MacDougal was on one of the two ambulances that operate out of Fire Station 9 in the Skid Row “Central City” community.
Mike “FossilMedic” Ward
EPA Issues STOP USE of ZIMEK Disinfecting Products
From the International Association of Fire Fighters:
January 7, 2011 – The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a stop use and sale of the micro-misting disinfecting technology sold by Zimek Technologies.
EPA Region 2 has ordered a New Jersey ambulance company, Monmouth-Ocean Hospital Service Corporation (MONOC) to immediately stop the use of the toxic micro-misting of their ambulances with disinfectants acquired from Zimek Technologies and the Zimek Micro-Misting System. This device is used by MONOC to deliver disinfectants to the interior of ambulances as micron or submicron sized particles. EPA’s enforcement action came as a result of a formal complaint to the EPA by IAFF Local 4610, the Professional Emergency Services Association of New Jersey, on behalf of its exposed brothers and sisters.
The attached “Stop Use, Sale, or Removal Order” was issued to Vincent Robbins, president and CEO of MONOC by Dr. Adrian J. Enache, director of EPA’s Pesticides Program, Pesticides and Toxic Substances Branch in Edison, New Jersey. The order is effective immediately, and gives MONOC 10 days to provide written documentation to the EPA that it has stopped the misuses cited and have secured the Zimek machines and disinfectants.
The IAFF has contacted EPA and has confirmed with Dr. Enache that this action applies to ALL uses of the Zimek Micro-Misting Systems, whether they are used in ambulances, fire apparatus, fire stations or other vehicles and facilities. Accordingly, the IAFF is advising all affiliates to ensure that their department ceases the use of this technology and product.
The order states that the disinfectants that have been used in the MONOC ambulances are likely to cause harm to humans when applied using the Zimek system. The order also states that EPA has reason to believe that individuals working in MONOC ambulances in which disinfectants were applied have become ill and treated for pesticide poisoning.
The Local 4610 President Deborah Ehling has been actively driving this issue to protect her members. This is a clear victory for her long hours and determined efforts. President Ehling states that it is “now time for a national standard requiring the evaluation of chemicals used in the workplace with new technology to ensure safe use by our emergency medical personnel and fire fighters.”
A related investigation of MONOC by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is still ongoing. This effort was also initiated by a Local 4610 formal complaint on behalf of its members. Don Marino, president of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, has been working with President Ehling and her local to ensure that OSHA and the New Jersey Public Employee Occupational Safety and Health Program (PEOSH) completes these investigations for the protection of all members.
Disinfectants used for decontaminating equipment must be EPA-registered hospital disinfectant chemical germicides that have been documented as effective against the infectious agent and MUST be used as they were approved by EPA.
Care also must be taken in the use of any disinfectants. IAFF members should be aware of the flammability and reactivity of disinfectants and should follow manufacturer’s instructions for use (e.g., contact time and temperature). Disinfectants should only be used with adequate ventilation and while wearing appropriate infection control garments and equipment for cleaning and disinfecting, including eye protection, gloves, and aprons. It also is important when disinfecting equipment to check with the manufacturer of the germicide to determine compatibility of the medical equipment and protective clothing with the disinfectant.
The IAFF will continue to monitor and participate in this effort and will provide updates as they evolve.
Earlier Firegeezer item (August 15, 2009) Fog-Filled Ambulances in San Diego
Tip of the helmet to IAFF Region 2 and Chief Goldfeder.
Mike “FossilMedic” Ward
IN NICE, FRANCE, SIX FIREFIGHTERS ARE OFF DUTY today following a terrorist attack on their fire engine Wednesday night. Shortly after 10 pm they were lured into the area by a set trash fire, then when they arrived on the scene a group of masked individuals started throwing stones at them, preventing them from putting out the fire.
After they got back inside their fire engine, one of the terrorists threw a homemade bomb at the firetruck and the explosion cause concussion injuries to all six firefighters, leaving them with a temporary loss of hearing. They were all taken to the hospital and instructed to take at least two days off work to recover. Four of them will be off duty for eight days.
Later that night, two 17-yr.-old boys were arrested and taken into custody while the investigation continues. Decrying the “unspeakable act,” Eric Ciotti, president of the Maritime Alps Fire Rescue division complained to the police and prosecutors of the continuing violence that is being leveled against the firefighters in Nice. The Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi called it an “act of assassination” against the firefighters.
See Firegeezer REPORT HERE from November 13 about a FF being shot while working a set auto fire in Grenoble.
The local prefect tried to mollify the firefighters by pointing out that attacks against the FF’s in the Nice area are down 25% this year with “only” 25 cases this year so far as compared to 33 last year.
Over the weekend, one of our regular readers pointed me in the direction of an interesting fire news and photography site based near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, MattMilesFirePhotography.com. I’m glad he introduced me to it because it is a very informative and nicely-constructed website. But the main reason I got the link is because of a posting of a December 23 fire in a mobile home in Perry County that could very well have had a disastrous result for one firefighter who is very lucky he didn’t become seriously injured.
The fire itself doesn’t appear to have been out of the ordinary for the type of structure, a very old mobile home, pre-1960 with the “killer” jalousie windows. But the owner had customized his abode to accommodate his auto workshop by adding on a garage to the end of the house, and inside the repair shop he had dug out a 5-ft. deep work pit. While the smoke that had filled the building was still inside and banked down to the floor, a firefighter who had entered the garage stepped into the pit, landing on his back, but thankfully escaping injury somehow.
©Matt Miles Photography. Photo by Steve Kidd
I’m not going to get into things like how to search and all that. You do enough of that now (I hope). But what I want to address this morning is the sorry state of building code enforcement in that area. I’m not sure if Perry County even has building codes because there are still some rural areas where that’s the case. But I would be willing to bet they do, but lack enough inspectors to do any more than respond to complaints or check construction permits.
Those work pits were outlawed nationwide about 40 years ago, and for good reasons. One of which was the fact that gasoline vapors are heavier than air. Obviously this man had dug his pit clandestinely and was largely out of sight, but you cannot miss the cut-rate construction job of the attached “garage.”
Inside the “garage.” (photo by Steve Kidd)
© Matt Miles Photography
What I want to point out isn’t so much the illegal construction, but the level of enforcement in many places. There are areas where the populace just doesn’t want that much governmental interference and if that’s the case, that’s fine, as long as the fire department is aware of it and knows that almost anywhere they go that they might find a mantrap like this. A county with a top-notch building department would have caught the garage construction years ago when the property had its routine visual inspection for tax re-valuation. I can’t believe that it was ever given a building permit for that type of construction or use.
So what about your area? Do you know how well your codes are enforced? When you are out doing your pre-planning and familiarity rides, do you watch for clues like this one? Do you even get back into those areas that are off the main road? How about a couple of guys getting in the utility van once in a while and exploring the isolated areas? Just thinking about what could have been the outcome in this example should give you some fodder for a good day room drill today.
CLICK HERE to read the complete write-up on this fire last week and take a good look at all the photos that were taken there. It’ll get your attention.
Ok, we’d better get this equipment checked out now. I’m going to get some more coffee started. See you back in the day room in a little while.
From the American Bar Association journal:
Irvine, Calif., attorney Kim Olenicoff’s estate planning practice has slowed in the past couple of years due to the economy, but that’s OK with her because the need to guard against flatulence and sweat stains appears to be recession-proof.
Read December 01, 2010 article: “Lawyer Trades Estate Planning Practice for Biz Guarding Against Flatulence and Sweat Stains”
I am shocked that it was a lawyer and not a firefighter who made this a going concern.
Check out her website Solutions That Stick.
Mike “FossilMedic” Ward
(Tip of the keyboard to TaxProf Blog)
“It’s good to be strong and it’s good to be courageous. But it’s also good to ask for help. “If I had a good friend who said, ‘you need to get some help,’ I would listen. I would hope somebody would do that.” ….. Fire Chief Bob Khan, Phoenix Fire Department, which lost four firefighters in seven months to suicide.
Whether we admit it or not, we are not immune to the effects of the unique stress we cope with each day as firefighters.
Many times, we keep these stressors bottled up inside us without seeking help. Other times, when we do seek help, we have a difficult time trying to relate to counselors who have zero experience as a firefighter, and become frustrated, eventually abandoning outside help often critical to our well-being.
Tonight, Firefighter Netcast introduces Jeff Dill, a Battalion Chief from suburban Chicago, who holds a Masters Degree in Counseling. Chief Dill has established CSSF, Counseling Services for Firefighters, which offers behavioral health support to firefighters; trains senior fire officers, and educates clinicians on the benefits of understanding the life and emotions- of firefighters.
B. C. Jeff Dill
The numbers of firefighter suicides are jaw-dropping. As often as a few times a week, Jeff finds himself answering calls for help from fire chiefs around the country.
Join the Firefighter Netcast Show tonight at 9pm ET for a live interview with Chief Dill, and learn how to recognize emotional distress in your partner or your loved one, and the steps you can take to help- before it’s too late.
In a new report on drug use by drivers involved in America’s fatal crashes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported post-mortem testing results showing an increase in the level of drug involvement among fatally injured drivers over a five-year period from 2005 to 2009.
According to data compiled by NHTSA, 63 percent of the 21,798 drivers who were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2009 were tested for drugs. Of these, 3,952 tested positive for drug involvement, representing 18 percent of the total for that year. The report also showed drug use reported by the states among fatally injured drivers increasing from 13 percent in 2005, to 15 percent in 2006, 16 percent in 2007, and 18 percent in 2008.
The drug data released today was collected by NHTSA as part of its Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and included information collected from the states under three broad categories: whether the driver was tested, the type of test conducted, and the test results. The types of drugs recorded in FARS include narcotics, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, cannabinoids, phencyclidines (PCPs), anabolic steroids, and inhalants. The groups include both illicit drugs, as well as legally prescribed drugs and over-the-counter medicines.
“Every driver on the road has a personal responsibility to operate his or her vehicle with full and uncompromised attention on the driving task,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “Today’s report provides a warning signal that too many Americans are driving after having taken drugs, not realizing the potential for putting themselves and others on the highway at risk.”
In announcing today’s drug findings, Administrator Strickland did offer some cautions, including the fact that drug test results are unavailable for a large portion of fatally injured drivers. He noted also that there was a wide variance among states regarding the extent of drug testing conducted.
Since it is a federal press release, please note this disclaimer:
Drug involvement does not mean the driver was impaired or that drug use was the cause of the crash.
Read the entire NHTSA press release, “NHTSA Reports Drug Use Among Fatally Injured Drivers Increased Over the Last Five Years: Report is First Ever Analysis of Drug Involvement Among Deceased Drivers in Fatal Crashes” (HERE)
It means to me that you need watch your back when working on the road.
Mike “FossilMedic” Ward
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP IN WESTMORELAND COUNTY, Pennsylvania, has decided to have all volunteer firefighters get medical physicals at the township’s expense. Beginning next year the firefighters will be given a physical every five years with 40 receiving them each year.
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review adds:
(Township) Manager Kurt Ferguson said the decision to allot more than $19,000 for the physicals in the 2011 budget was reinforced by the recent death of North Irwin volunteer, James Gumbert, who died of a heart attack Nov. 10 in the fire station as he was preparing to answer a fire call. Ferguson said he has been discussing the issue with supervisors since last summer.
“(Gumbert’s) death reinforced the need for such an initiative. We made this an initiative back in June that this was something we needed to focus on,” Ferguson said. “Our goal is … every five years they’ll have a physical. I think our firemen deserve to have that.”
Dan Stevens, a spokesman for Westmoreland County Emergency Management, said Hempfield’s “doing the right thing. They need to be applauded for that.”
He said firefighters who serve with the county’s hazardous materials response team get extensive physicals every two years because of the number of firefighters in the state who die from heart-related illnesses.
Read the entire article in the Tribune -Review HERE.
Grapeville VFD Engine 21
Hempfield Township is obviously a well-run municipality. They not only have a budget surplus this year, but they have not raised any taxes in 21 years. The township has 12 all-volunteer fire departments. You can view their WEBPAGE HERE.
Firegeezer says: Hempfield Township is to be commended for this action. Not explained in the article is whether the responder-members will be required to pass the physical in order to perform emergency activities.
Presented by Gnome Handler
A FIREFIGHTER WAS SHOT WHILE WORKING at an auto fire in Grenoble, France, Friday night.
Le Dauphine photo
An alarm was called at 10:30 pm for a car on fire in a parking lot at an apartment complex and the firefighters from the Saint-Martin-d’Hères station responded on the call where they found an auto well ablaze. While they were putting the fire out, a 24-yr.-old FF suddenly felt a sharp pain in his arm and notified his superior. When his colleagues took a close look at the area of pain, they found what appeared to be a gunshot wound.
The victim did not see the shooter or where the shot came from. An ambulance crew tended his wound and then transported him to the hospital in Grenoble. Fortunately, the injury is superficial and no permanent damage appears to have been done.
The Grenoble police responded immediately to the scene and began investigating the source of the shooting.
BFM-TV posted a video report:
Le Dauphine has the STORY.
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